<p>Hi there!
I am currently a sophomore taking AP Physics 1 and I am absolutely stressed out and drowning in the class. I have had so many breakdowns over the class since it started so I've made the decision to accept the "Withdrawl failing" on my transcript (it won't affect my GPA, it will just go on my transcript) and move to Honors Physics and just take AP Physics next year as a junior. I also am taking 3 other Honors classes as well.
Am I making the right decision? I have dreams to attend MIT or Columbia and I am so stressed out that this will hurt my chances of getting in. I will still have 2 AP exam scores (one self studied) for my Sophomore year and I have straight A's.
Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you! </p>
<p>Honestly, honors physics shouldn’t be any easier. I would stay in AP Physics. A withdrawn failing is not something you want on your transcript. However, it is better than failing the class. If you feel there is absolutely no way to bring your grade up, I would move to honors.</p>
<p>It’s probably not the material that hurting the OP but the pace. I recommend setting aside some time on a Wednesday and a Saturday/Sunday to just go over the material. Maybe use the time you’re spending self-studying for whatever AP to do so. </p>
<p>If you’re aiming for the top schools like MIT, then dropping an AP science class for a lower-level one is a no no unless as said above you’re getting like a low C or below.</p>
<p>If you are struggling this much with AP Physics, then I would really reconsider going to a school like MIT - physics there will only be harder.</p>
<p>No disrespect but the odds of getting in MIT or Columbia are so low so don’t get your hopes up. The kids who get in there are geniuses who likely have invented something or is a master at physics and math! Anyways, I’m also in AP Physics and I think it’s pretty easy because I’m in calc and have had chemistry. The khan acadmey videos help me out a lot though. Stick with it!!! Once you grasp the concept its not that bad! I am always confused at first but understand after practice and time. You can do it! </p>
<p>If you haven’t started doing these things already, start now!
- See your teacher in study hall or before/after school
- Go on Khan Academy
- Google other physics resources
- READ THE TEXTBOOK! Some kids spend a lot of time frustrating on problems but it can really help to look in the textbook. If it’s using big words, individually define the words so you can piece together the concepts.
- Do everything you can. If you are not doing very well try your hardest to get out a C. If you can’t do well on the tests, at least try to not lose any points on lab / classwork / homework. You will need those points and they can add up!</p>
<p>good luck.</p>